2026 Price GuideHow Much Does a Shikara Ride Cost in Alleppey?
Shikara rides cost ₹500–₹1,000/hour. Packages from ₹1,800 for 3 hours to ₹6,000 for a full day. All rides at Alleppey Shikara Club are private — no sharing.
Quick Price Summary
| Tour Type | Duration | Price (Approx.) |
|---|
| Hourly rate (1–4 persons) | Per hour | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Hourly rate (5–8 persons) | Per hour | ₹800 – ₹1,000 |
| Sunrise Cruise | 3 hours | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 |
| Morning / Day Cruise | 3–4 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Sunset Cruise | 3 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Lunch Cruise (food included) | 4–5 hours | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Alleppey to Pathiramanal | 5 hours | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 |
| Alleppey to Kumarakom | 5 hours | ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 |
| Full-Day Cruise | 8 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 |
Prices are for private boats. Rates may be higher during peak season (October–February) and public holidays.
What Is a Shikara Boat?
A shikara is a traditional open-sided wooden boat, 25 to 40 feet long, built from local Anjili wood. Unlike large houseboats (60–100 feet), shikaras are slim enough to glide through Alleppey's narrow canals — the hidden waterways where real village life happens. They seat 2 to 15 people and come with cushioned reclining seats, a bamboo canopy for shade, and a quiet 4-stroke outboard engine.
Shikara Ride Timings in Alleppey
Shikara boats are available from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.
- 🌿 Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM)Calm water, cool air, fewest boats on the canals — best for bird watching and photography.
- ☀️ Afternoon (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)Ideal for village sightseeing and a lunch stop at a backwater restaurant.
- 🌇 Evening (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)Best for sunset views — the most romantic time slot. Rates can be slightly higher.
Sunrise cruises begin at 5:30–6:00 AM and require advance booking.
Popular Shikara Cruise Packages
🌅Sunrise Shikara Cruise
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM · 3 hrs
₹1,800 – ₹2,500
The backwaters are mirror-still at dawn. Best for bird watchers and golden-hour photography. Covers Punnamada Lake, village canals, and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race venue.
☀️Morning / Day Cruise
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · 3–4 hrs
₹2,000 – ₹2,500
A relaxed cruise through Vembanad Lake, paddy fields, duck farms, fish hatcheries, and riverside temples. Most popular with families.
🍽️Lunch Cruise
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · 4–5 hrs
₹2,500 – ₹3,500
Cruise the backwaters and stop at a lakeside restaurant for a traditional Kuttanadan meal — fresh lake fish, Kerala curries, and toddy shop snacks.
🌇Sunset Shikara Cruise
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM · 3 hrs
₹2,000 – ₹2,500
Watch the sun set over the coconut palms and paint the water in shades of orange and red. Ideal for couples and honeymoon travellers.
🏝️Alleppey to Pathiramanal
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · 5 hrs
₹3,000 – ₹4,000
Visit Pathiramanal — a mysterious floating island and sanctuary for rare migratory birds. Route covers Vembanad Lake, village canals, paddy fields, and duck farms.
🚣Alleppey to Kumarakom
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · 5 hrs
₹3,500 – ₹4,500
A longer, scenic route ending near the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Includes a food stop at a backwater restaurant.
🌄Full-Day Shikara Cruise
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM · 8 hrs
₹4,000 – ₹6,000
The complete Alleppey experience. Sunrise, breakfast, sightseeing, lunch, narrow canal exploration by canoe, and an afternoon on the open lake.
Why Choose a Shikara Over a Houseboat?
| Feature | Shikara | Houseboat |
|---|
| Enters narrow canals | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Budget-friendly | ✅ From ₹500/hr | ❌ From ₹10,000/night |
| Minimum booking | 1–2 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Capacity | 2–15 persons | 6–100 persons |
| Best for | Short trips, village life | Overnight stays |
Shikaras access the hidden canals where locals live — where children play on the banks, fishermen cast nets, and tiny shops face the water instead of the road. Houseboats stay on the open lake and cannot enter these areas.
Facilities in a Shikara Boat
Cushioned reclining seats
Bamboo canopy for shade
Open sides for breeze & views
Low-noise 4-stroke engine
Toilet (select larger shikaras)
Small snack table
Music system (premium boats)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shikara ride cost in Alleppey?
A shikara ride in Alleppey costs ₹500 to ₹1,000 per hour depending on boat size. Package tours start from ₹1,800 for a 3-hour sunrise cruise. Full-day 8-hour rides cost ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Rates are higher during peak season (October–February).
How many people can go in a shikara boat?
A standard shikara holds 2 to 15 people. Larger group shikaras accommodate up to 40–60 persons and include toilet facilities. The most common private shikara seats 4 to 8 comfortably.
How much time do you need to see the Alleppey backwaters by shikara?
You need a minimum of 3 hours to see the main highlights. For a proper experience including village canals, paddy fields, and the lake, 5 hours is ideal. An 8-hour full-day tour covers everything — sunrise, village life, lunch, and sunset.
What time can I go for a shikara ride in Alleppey?
Shikara boats operate from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. Sunrise tours begin at 5:30–6:00 AM and must be booked in advance. The three best slots are morning (6–9 AM), afternoon (11 AM–3 PM), and evening/sunset (4:30–6:30 PM).
Is the shikara boat private or shared?
At Alleppey Shikara Club, all rides are private only. We do not offer shared shikaras as they compromise your experience and privacy.
Is food provided on the shikara boat?
Food is not served inside the boat itself. However, your guide will take you to excellent backwater restaurants for traditional Kuttanadan meals. Select packages (Lunch Cruise, Kumarakom Tour) include food in the price.
What is the difference between a shikara and a houseboat in Alleppey?
A shikara is a small open wooden boat (25–40 feet) that costs ₹500–₹1,000/hour and can navigate narrow canals. A houseboat is larger (60–100 feet), costs from ₹10,000/night, and is suited for overnight stays on the open lake. Shikaras offer a more intimate, affordable experience and access to parts of Alleppey houseboats cannot reach.
Are shikara prices higher during peak season?
Yes. During peak season (October to February) and on public holidays, shikara rates can exceed ₹1,000 per hour. Book in advance to secure regular rates.
What is the cost of Alappuzha boating for 2 hours?
A 2-hour shikara ride in Alappuzha (Alleppey) costs approximately ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 depending on boat size and time slot. Evening/sunset slots may be slightly higher. We recommend at least 3–5 hours to explore the narrow canals and village life properly.
What is the average price of a shikara ride?
The average price of a shikara ride in Alleppey is ₹700 to ₹1,000 per hour for a private boat. For a standard 3-hour package, most tourists spend between ₹1,800 and ₹2,500. Full-day packages (8 hours) average around ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Always confirm the final price before boarding.
Are shikara rides expensive?
No — shikara rides are one of the most affordable ways to experience the Alleppey backwaters. Starting from just ₹500 per hour, they cost a fraction of a houseboat (which starts at ₹10,000/night). A family of 4 can enjoy a beautiful 3-hour private shikara cruise for around ₹2,000–₹2,500.
Which is the best boarding point for a shikara ride in Alleppey?
The best boarding point is the Alleppey Shikara Club boarding point, located near the Old Boat Jetty, Alleppey. Our team will guide you to the exact spot once your booking is confirmed.
How can I book a shikara ride in Alleppey?
You can book directly by phone, WhatsApp, or through our website online. We recommend booking in advance — especially for sunrise tours and during peak season (October–February). Avoid booking through roadside brokers or taxi drivers near the jetty, as they often overcharge.
Book Your Shikara Ride with Alleppey Shikara Club
All our rides are private, guided by experienced local boatmen, and bookable online or by phone.
Prices are approximate and subject to change during peak season and holidays. Contact us for confirmed rates and availability.
